Ultimatum to striking PU lecturers

Acting tough, the Department of Pre University Education gave an ultimatum on Monday to the protesting PU lecturers, saying that they take up evaluation work or face disciplinary action.

Evaluation has begun in one centre. As seven rounds of talks with the agitating lecturers in the Karnataka State PU Lecturers’ Association in the last two weeks failed to break the deadlock, the department served notices to over 15,000 striking employees under  Section 28 of the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, Sections 3, 5 and 8 of the Karnataka State Civil Services (Prevention of Strikes) Act, 1966 and Rule 106(B) of Karnataka Civil Service Rules. The act among other things provides for imprisonment for failure to take up evaluation work.

Undeterred by the notice, the striking lecturers said that they are contemplating legal action and would not buckle to arm-twisting tactics of the government. “We will continue with our agitation till our demands are met,” A H Ningegowda, general secretary, Karnataka State PU Lecturers’ Association said.